Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat

Villas perched on a ridge, one of the Signature Villas, an Orchard Suite, or a Heritage Room.

For many people, holidays are times of indulgence, cocktails, long lunches, lingering dinners, late nights and not enough exercise. It’s almost a given right. Work hard all year and totally turn off at holiday time and cope with any regrets later.

Natalie has found a simply wonderful place where all the senses are worked on and you really feel as though you have had a holiday.

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is in Tallebudgera in the Gold Coast Hinterland and is the kind of place people are craving to visit. Not so long ago health retreats were seen as some form of punishment. Now people realise they are really delightful, empowering and nurturing.

It’s on 200 hectares and has a huge selection of accommodation, spread across the property to give privacy. Rooms have mountains of pillows, cosy doonas and beautiful pure cotton bedding on comfortable beds.

The hardest thing you will need to do is choose exactly the accommodation you would like. Villas perched on a ridge, one of the Signature Villas, an Orchard Suite, a Heritage Room or one of the houses – Peel, Mimosa, Mudbrick, Heritage or Gwinganna.

There are endless facilities, so there will never be a dull moment during your stay.

The Spa Sanctuary is a haven for treatments and relaxation. Three individual buildings come together in a circular form to create the 1500 sqm compound over three levels. Three towering, ancient gums form the centrepiece and wherever you are at Gwinganna, nature is there with you.

An infinity edge lap pool with views to the Gold Coast is a highlight of the activity areas, whether for water-based training sessions, swimming laps or just relaxation.

Comfortably heated, the pool is used year round and the adjoining sauna is perfect before or after a pool session in the cooler months. Indoor activities are held in various locations including the spacious studio known as The Hangar and the indoor cycling studio.

Many activity sessions are held in and around the two level multi-purpose gymnasium. It has a range of Technogym equipment providing everything needed for effective indoor resistance training or personal sessions. The second level’s private sessions incorporate Pilates and Kinesis resistance training equipment.

The beautiful Mind Body Pavillion is built from reclaimed timbers and has valley and ocean views. It hosts activity sessions from belly dancing to stretching.

People gather in the dining room and pool areas to enjoy delicious organic cuisine, indoors and outdoors. The dining room overlooks the pool and has an open fireplace and comfortable day beds.

The Wellness Centre in one of the property’s original buildings is a dispensary for herbs and supplements. There are consultation rooms for naturopathy, nutrition and wellness therapies.

The Amphitheatre is built from repurposed stone and bluestone. It hosts pre-dinner gatherings and impromptu musical experiences.

The Store in another original building is a great place to enjoy the reading lounge or pick up something you may have forgotten. It has a wide range of active and leisure wear, accessories, books and CDs, gifts and organic products. Its beautiful wide verandah is the perfect place to take morning tea.

Guests are invited to switch off and embrace one of the fundamental elements of better wellbeing: strategic rest. It’s available each afternoon and is known as Gwinganna Dreamtime.

During each Dreamtime, you can take advantage of the diverse and extensive array of experts and therapists who work to further enhance your stay. From soothing spa therapies to wellness consultations, balanced movement programs and stress management sessions, these can help you customise your experience.

Guests may choose from a range of wellness services, from naturopathy to stress and emotional wellness, or perhaps book a session with an expert in functional movement and physical activity.

Days generally begin with a brisk bushwalk along one of several trails. Some people like to go with another guest but most seem to enjoy a solitary walk to get the senses tingling.

Gwinganna prides itself on its carefully planned menu. Nutritionist Caroline Rossi and told Natalie that most newcomers are concerned that they will starve. Those fears are completely unfounded, and the kitchen team makes good use of the on-site organic garden and orchard.

The food philosophy is based around the belief that Mother Nature knows best. Guests are shown how to re-evaluate their relationship with food and to experience and learn about the meaning of true nourishment. Allergies and intolerances are certainly not forgotten.

Once they have seen and tasted the wonderful food and beverages, guests relax knowing that they won’t starve and start enjoying everything else Gwinganna has to offer.

An equine experience is a great option and under the guidance of a therapist, riding sessions are about self-discovery and self-awareness. Another option is to take lessons or brush up on your tennis at one of the two courts.

Natalie loved her visit to Gwinganna. The scenery, mountain air, great food and activities and just being reminded to rekindle one or two things a busy lifestyle can let slip.